EN
Romania was an important state in the Balkans with a strategic position on the Black Sea coast and therefore some “traditional” powers were trying to enter into an alliance with that country. Bucharest preferred first Vienna and signed a secret alliance treaty with Austria-Hungary in 1883. Following the Balkan Wars of 1912–1913 Romania obtained southern Dobrudja at Bulgaria’s expense. During the formation of international relations in Europe and the creation of allied coalitions the country took up a rather neutral position; nevertheless, particularly after the attachment of Siebenbürgen, it was believed that its ambitions might eventually be satisfied in the Entente camp as an opponent of Austria-Hungary. When the First World War broke out Romania remained neutral and its diplomacy closely collaborated with the neutral Italy. Both belligerent blocs were trying to lure Romania; this, however, required a satisfaction of its territorial claims. The situation changed dramatically when Turkey, followed by Bulgaria, entered the war on the side of the Central Powers. Romania felt threatened and isolated by these steps, and therefore joined the Entente camp in August 1916 against a promise of territorial acquisitions to the detriment of Austria-Hungary.